Lately, I’ve been feeling like my home really isn’t my own. It sort of happened when we brought two kittens in. They needed a litter box, a kitty condo and a few toys. The few toys turned into three glitter wand sticks, dry food, wet food, and four bowls. There was an extra scratch board for good measure, too. My general dislike for “more stuff” became clear once again.
And maybe more than “more stuff” it is more undesigned stuff. For instance, I have been looking for a glass bistro table to place in the kitchen for ages! A glass kitchen table is more stuff, of course. But more in a functional–very specific–something– I will cherish, kind of way.
We got the kittens around the same time my work hours doubled. So to be fair, it may be a combination of it all. Hardly being home for someone who really likes caring for her home, is actually a bit disorienting. Even with a good amount of help, the house isn’t the way I’d really like it. There’s a list of little things that need to be repaired or repainted. An ever-growing Etsy list of new curtains and finally, a soap dish for the kitchen.
This summer, with a bit of ambition, I hope to have my bedroom painted in-between traveling and butt-naked naps. My summer home looks, as always, in transition. But there will be dry flowers. It will smell of lavender. The kittens will be older, and maybe I can buy that baby blue vase I’ve been eyeing. And of course, there will finally be a glass kitchen table!
Any summer home wishes, feelings, and design dreams of your own?
(Photos from the set of Call Me By Your Name)
I thought the two last pictures were part of your home and were about to add that it looks fabulous…hahaha! I went back and looked at your home pictures from earlier, it is pretty awesome and I can totally relate to new additions bringing with them things that don’t add in the way we think. I have three dogs and a very gangly teenager.
Hi Monica! Oh gosh, I wish! But I can also see how- these rooms definently speak to a decor side of me. And tell me your ways!!!
x
L
Your decor seems a lot like mine, a lot of inherited pieces or easily previously used. I love things that speak to me, make me happy inside, beautiful from memories, my 15-year-old just made a bookshelf in woodshop class, it makes me so happy. I like fewer things but things with memories to me and yes flowers and a fun summery doormat go a long way.
Wow, these photos make my heart ache, they are so beautiful. My summer goals for my home are to frame and find a place for a photo of my dad, who recently passed. I want to find a spot in the house to honor him.
Beyond that, we are always tracking in bits of pine needles and grass in the summer, so maybe some cute doormats are in order. 🙂
Hi L, I’m so sorry about your dad. I think it’s so important to honor people who have passed in our homes, so I totally agree. Have you thought about a mini gallery wall so that honoring him can be amongst many photos for some time?I also really love framed photos on night stands in vintage or black frames.
And YES, doormats, It’s something I tend to forget. Thank you for sharing. sending love.
L
Aww this resonates with me. My dad passed four years ago and I have a framed pic of him in the kitchen above our keyhook near the back door. My dad loved meals with us and he taught me about nutrition and how to cook using whole foods, so the kitchen just seemed appropriate. He overlooks as we cook, eat, and share around our table and I find it so comforting.
Hi Meghan, thank you so much for sharing! I really love this and love how you found a way for your dad to be near you everyday while you cook. Considering it was such a beautiful activity for you all. I linked this as a gift in my latest post, because I truly think it will inspire some people. thanks for sharing!
LaTonya
Thank you so much, LaTonya! I hope it does inspire and help bring comfort to someone. I know I have certainly been inspired by your blog, and you have me especially considering sustainability. It’s truly the little things in our lives and homes that make the difference in our day to day. XO
oh my gosh so many!! ive been on sabbatical for a year and a half and have severely missed having my own space. my new apartment will finally be available in august and i’m so excited – to decorate, to have a studio corner, to prioritize my preferences and all with less. decluttering/minimizing my stuff while i countdown the days: https://tps-steph.blogspot.com/2019/05/0035-clutter-is.html
LaTonya-
Love your style and bought your book. So good, I bought another copy for my sister. Can you tell me where to find an outdoor farmer’s table like the one in above photo. Can’t seem to find and really want something distressed since it will likely live on my uncovered porch. Any suggestions?
Hi Christine!
Thank you! The best ones I’ve seen have been made by woodworkers.
Maybe something like crate and barrel or west elm?